Anglo American is facing a backlash from local Tories over “catastrophic” cuts proposed at a Yorkshire fertiliser mine owned by the FTSE 100 company.
Anglo is planning to scale back investment at the Woodsmith Mine in North Yorkshire after seeking to fend off a £39bn takeover bid from rival BHP.
Tory candidate Roberto Weeden-Sanz, who is campaigning for Scarborough and Whitby constituency where the mine is based, said the project should not become a “sacrificial lamb” for Anglo’s bid to fend off BHP.
Cutting back investment at the site could mean up to 1,600 jobs are put at risk as the investment is downsized over the next two years.
Mr Weeden-Sanz said: “Despite public statements about spending this year, we are hearing locally that Anglo is moving quickly to demobilise contractors and put staff on notice.
“We urge them to pause and properly consider the catastrophic impact that losing so many high-quality jobs could have on our area.
“Local people have supported this fantastic project for many years and it should not be used as a sacrificial lamb to fend off a takeover from a bigger company.”
Anglo American chief executive Duncan Wanblad unveiled plans earlier this month to dial down investment at Woodsmith and leave it a near standstill. BHP is no longer chasing a bid for Anglo but the group has committed to the Woodsmith overhaul after complaints about its cost from shareholders.
The FTSE 100 group is a major contributor to the local economy, contributing £305m last year.
Since construction at the mine started in 2017, the Woodsmith Project, which is the largest private sector infrastructure project in the country, has generated £1.5bn to the Yorkshire economy.
Ben Houchen, the Tees Valley mayor, said: “Anglo American should not be rushing into decisions that put the livelihoods of hard-working and highly skilled Teessiders at risk.
“We want to hear from Anglo American directly and see them engage with government to make sure every option is considered before drastic measures are taken”.
The former MP for the Scarborough and Whitby constituency Sir Robert Goodwill previously warned over the impact of shutting Woodsmith. He told The Telegraph last month he was seeking assurances from BHP over the future of Anglo American’s Yorkshire fertiliser mine.
Sir Robert is standing down at the next election.
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